A master's degree is a postgraduate academic degree awarded after the completion of an academic program of one to six years in duration.
In the recently standardized Indian system of higher education diplomas, it corresponds to a one to two year postgraduate program undertaken after at least three years of undergraduate studies. It provides higher qualification for employment or prepares for doctoral studies. A master's degree entails a one- or two�year program of study in which students would normally enroll after completing a bachelor's degree.